Information processing apparatus and data communication method

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001The present application is a Continuation Application of the patent application Ser. No. 11/898,240, filed Sep. 11, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,551,704, which is a Continuation Application of the patent application Ser. No. 11/312,710, filed Dec. 21, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,333,583, which is a Continuation Application of Parent application Ser. No. 10/024,179; filed Dec. 21, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,050,526, which claims priority from Japanese Application No. 2000-396912, filed on Dec. 25, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00021. Field of the Invention

0003The present invention relates to information processing apparatuses and data communication methods, and can be applied, for example, to processing for non-contact-type IC cards.

00042. Description of the Related Art

0005Since non-contact-type IC cards can record various types of data and can be accessed in a non-contact manner, they are conventionally used, for example, as electronic-money recording media and for enter/leave management of a room.

0006In this type of IC card, a high-frequency signal induced in a built-in loop antenna is rectified to generate a driving power source. Therefore, when an IC card is held in a vicinity of a reader/writer, which accesses this type of IC cards, a high-frequency signal sent from the reader/writer is induced in the loop antenna and the IC card starts operating.

0007When the IC card starts operating in this way, signal processing is applied to the high-frequency signal induced in the loop antenna to analyze a command sent from the reader/writer, and in addition, various types of data sent from the reader/writer is received. The IC card also switches, for example, the terminal impedance of the loop antenna at a predetermined timing according to an analysis result of the command to send a status, data recorded into a memory, and others to the reader/writer.

0008A system using this type of IC card executes mutual authentication with an IC card to transmit and receive data. Data to be transmitted and received is encrypted and then transmitted and received to assure higher safety.

0009Since this type of non-contact-type IC card can be accessed just by holding them in a vicinity of a reader/writer, electronic-money processing and the like can be executed without passing them to a clerk, unlike conventional credit cards, and also thereby safety is assured.

0010Although non-contact IC cards are convenient in this way, they need to be held in a vicinity of a reader/writer while the reader/writer accesses them and executes electronic-money processing or other operations. During this period, if the user moves the IC card away from the reader/writer, it is necessary to repeat the processing.

0011Therefore, to prevent such processing repetition and to improve ease-of-use, the user may be prompted to place an IC card at a predetermined position.

0012Even in such usage, when a user interface which effectively uses a feature of non-contact-type IC cards, that is, accessibility obtained when the IC cards are held in a vicinity of a reader/writer, is provided, this type of IC card can be applied to various increasing fields, and in addition, the user can use them more easily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0013The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a data communication method which allow a user interface effectively using a feature of data storage devices, that is, non-contact accessibility, to be provided.

0014The foregoing object is achieved in one aspect of the present invention through the provision of an information processing apparatus for accessing a predetermined data storage device in a non-contact manner, including electromagnetic-wave emitting means disposed at a predetermined position for emitting an electromagnetic wave; data communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the data storage device through the electromagnetic-wave emitting means; a display having a display area to which a predetermined area which includes at least a part of a portion where the electromagnetic-wave emitting means is disposed is set; and control means for controlling the operations of the data communication means and the display, wherein the control means switches a presentation of the display according to processing of the data communication means.

0015According to the above structure, since a presentation of the display having a predetermined display area is switched according to processing performed by the data communication means for transmitting and receiving data with the data storage device held in a vicinity of the display area, it is possible, for example, that the display guides the user to convey the data storage device to the display area, and in addition, a result of processing is displayed at a portion where the medium has been conveyed. Therefore, a user interface effectively using a feature of data storage devices, that is, non-contact accessibility, can be provided.

0016The foregoing object is achieved in another aspect of the present invention through the provision of a data communication method for accessing a predetermined data storage device in a non-contact manner, including the step of switching a presentation of a predetermined area which includes at least a part of a portion where electromagnetic-wave emitting means used for data communication with the data storage device is disposed, according to data communication processing with the data storage device.

0017According to the above structure, a data communication method employing a user interface effectively using a feature of data storage devices, that is, non-contact accessibility, can be provided.

0018The foregoing object is achieved in still another aspect of the present invention through the provision of a data communication method for accessing a predetermined data storage device in a non-contact manner, including the step of emitting sound generated according to data communication processing with the data storage device, at timing corresponding to the data communication processing.

0019According to the above structure, when sound generated according to data communication processing with the data storage device is emitted at timing corresponding to the data communication processing, even if a series of processing is finished by operations performed by the user for a data storage device such as an IC card, the user can understand a progress state of the processing.

0020The foregoing object is achieved in yet another aspect of the present invention through the provision of an information processing apparatus for performing data communication with a data storage device, including communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the data storage device by an electromagnetic wave; and state indication means for indicating a first state in which the information processing apparatus is waiting for communication with the data storage device, a second state in which the information processing apparatus is communicating with the data storage device, and a third state in which communication between the information processing apparatus and the data storage device has been finished.

0021The foregoing object is achieved in still yet another aspect of the present invention through the provision of a guidance method on communication between a data holding apparatus and a processing apparatus for transmitting and receiving data in a non-contact manner, including the step of guiding on the state of communication with the data holding apparatus by the use of sound or light.

0022As described above, according to the present invention, a presentation at a predetermined area which includes at least a part of a portion where electromagnetic-wave emitting means used for data communication with a data storage device is disposed is switched according to data communication processing with the data storage device to provide a user interface effectively using a feature of the data storage device, non-contact accessibility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a central processing unit in an input and output section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram showing an IC card system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view showing a store terminal of the IC card system shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram of the input and output section of the store terminal shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view showing the structure of the input and output section shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a perspective view of the input and output section shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, in which the placement of an IC card is awaited.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a perspective view of the input and output section shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, in which an error is reported.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of the input and output section shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, in which processing has been correctly finished.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a perspective view showing a deposit machine in the IC card system shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a block diagram showing the deposit machine shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a central processing unit in the deposit machine shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref> are plans of the deposit machine shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, in which an error occurs.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13B</figref> are plans of the deposit machine shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, in which processing has been performed correctly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0036Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail by referring to the drawings, if necessary.

(1) First Embodiment

(1-1) Structure of the First Embodiment

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram showing an IC-card system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this IC-card system <b>1</b>, non-contact-type IC cards <b>2</b>A and <b>2</b>B are used as electronic-money recording media.

0038In this IC-card system <b>1</b>, a financial-institution server <b>3</b> records electronic money and executes processing such as settlement. More specifically, the financial-institution server <b>3</b> updates recording of electronic money in the IC card <b>2</b>A and a store terminal <b>4</b> when the store terminal <b>4</b> accesses the financial-institution server <b>3</b>. The financial-institution server <b>3</b> also records the deposit of electronic money in the IC card <b>2</b>B when a deposit machine <b>5</b> accesses the financial-institution server <b>3</b>. The financial-institution server <b>3</b> executes the same processing as described above when a financial-institution terminal or a terminal apparatus, such as a personal computer individually owned by the user, accesses the financial-institution server <b>3</b>.

0039The store terminal <b>4</b> is a terminal apparatus disposed at one of various stores, and takes electronic money equivalent to payment out of electronic money recorded in the IC card <b>2</b>A, and reports such electronic-money transfer to the financial-institution server <b>3</b>. In contrast, the deposit machine <b>5</b> is a terminal apparatus disposed at a predetermined financial institution or the like, and receives a deposit by cash and increases electronic money recorded in the IC card <b>2</b>B. The deposit machine <b>5</b> also reports the electronic-money increase to the financial-institution server <b>3</b>.

0040With these operations, various payment processes can be executed using electronic money recorded in an IC card, and electronic money reduced by such a payment process can be increased by the deposit machine <b>5</b> or the like, in the IC-card system <b>1</b>.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view of the store terminal <b>4</b>. The store terminal <b>4</b> is formed of a body apparatus <b>11</b> and an input and output section <b>12</b>. The body apparatus <b>11</b> is an accounting apparatus which functions as a point-of-sale (POS) apparatus, and executes payment calculation processing and others. The body apparatus <b>11</b> also instructs the input and output section <b>12</b> to perform payment processing according to calculated payment, obtains a result of processing, and reports it to the financial-institution server <b>3</b>.

0042The input and output section <b>12</b> is a reader/writer for the IC card <b>2</b>A, prompts the user to perform an IC-card operation according to an instruction from the body apparatus <b>11</b>, reduces electronic money recorded in the IC card, and reports a result of processing to the body apparatus <b>11</b>. The input and output section <b>12</b> is formed by placing a plate-shaped body section <b>12</b>B on a predetermined-shaped stand <b>12</b>A. In the body section <b>12</b>B, a display section <b>12</b>C formed of a liquid-crystal display panel is formed at an upper section of the front surface, and a placement section <b>12</b>D is formed under the display section <b>12</b>C.

0043A printed circuit board on which various processing circuits required for processing with an IC card, various processing circuits required for processing with the body apparatus <b>11</b>, and others are mounted is accommodated in a thin case; and a semi-transparent decorative panel having a predetermined opening and a plane, transparent acrylic plate are sequentially laminated and disposed on an opening of the case so as to cover the entire front surface of the case to form the body section <b>12</b>B.

0044The display section <b>12</b>C is formed such that a presentation on the liquid-crystal display panel mounted on the printed circuit board in this way can be seen from the front-surface side. In contrast, in the placement section <b>12</b>D, a loop antenna serving as electromagnetic-wave emitting means used for data communication with an IC card is disposed at a predetermined position on the printed circuit board, corresponding to almost the center of the placement section <b>12</b>D. Therefore, the input and output section <b>12</b> can exchange data with an IC card when the IC card is held in a vicinity of a predetermined area centering around the center of the placement section <b>12</b>D.

0045Various light-emitting diodes are disposed on the printed circuit board so as to enclose the loop antenna, and a semi-transparent decorative panel and a plane, transparent acrylic plate are sequentially laminated and formed above the light-emitting diodes to form the placement section <b>12</b>D serving as a display section having a predetermined display area.

0046In the input and output section <b>12</b>, this acrylic plate has a plane surface at the front-surface side, and the entire front surface, including the placement section <b>12</b>D, is formed of a plane surface without having a dented section for guiding a position where an IC card is placed. Therefore, the input and output section <b>12</b> has a simplified structure and a good design with a feature of non-contact-type IC cards, that is, accessibility just by holding them in a vicinity of a reader/writer, being effectively used.

0047Even when various indications are performed by the lighting of light-emitting diodes in the placement section <b>12</b>D and the placement section <b>12</b>D has a plane surface in this way, the user is guided to perform an IC-card operation without an error, and in addition, an error generated when a different card is placed can be reported to the user.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a block diagram showing the structure of the input and output section <b>12</b>. In the input and output section <b>12</b>, an interface (I/F) <b>21</b> serves as an input and output circuit with the body apparatus <b>11</b>, reports various commands and data output from the body apparatus <b>11</b> to a central processing unit (CPU) <b>22</b>, and outputs statuses corresponding to the commands, and data read from an IC card, both of which are output from the central processing unit <b>22</b> to the body apparatus <b>11</b> under the control of the central processing unit <b>22</b>.

0049A transmitting and receiving circuit <b>23</b> drives the loop antenna <b>24</b> disposed almost at the center of the placement section <b>12</b>D by a predetermined high-frequency signal under the control of the central processing unit <b>22</b>, and when the IC card <b>2</b>A is held in a vicinity, turns on the power of the IC card <b>2</b>A by the high-frequency signal. The transmitting and receiving circuit <b>23</b> also modulates the high-frequency signal by a data string output from a signal processing circuit <b>25</b> to transmit various commands and data used for recording to the IC card <b>2</b>A. The transmitting and receiving circuit <b>23</b> stops modulating such a high-frequency signal at a predetermined timing, detects a high-frequency signal at the loop antenna <b>24</b> to obtain various data sent from the IC card <b>2</b>A, and outputs the data to the signal processing circuit <b>25</b>.

0050The signal processing circuit <b>25</b> applies encryption processing and encoding processing to data output from the central processing unit <b>22</b> under the control of the central processing unit <b>22</b>, and outputs data obtained as a result of the processing to the transmitting and receiving circuit <b>23</b> by a serial data string. In a reverse way, the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> also applies decryption processing to decrypt a data string obtained from the transmitting and receiving circuit <b>23</b> to release encryption, and outputs data obtained as a result to the central processing unit <b>22</b>.

0051The central processing unit <b>22</b> is a controller for controlling the operation of the input and output section <b>12</b>, specifies a work area in a memory (not shown), and executes electronic-money processing specified by the body apparatus <b>11</b> according to a predetermined processing procedure. In this processing, the central processing unit <b>22</b> follows a processing procedure shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> to switch the presentation of the placement section <b>12</b>D according to the processing. Thereby, the user positively places an IC card and the processing can be finished.

0052More specifically, when the body apparatus <b>11</b> instructs the start of the electronic-money processing, the central processing unit <b>22</b> activates the operation of the transmitting and receiving circuit <b>23</b>, and controls the operation of the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> so as to send a polling command to the IC card <b>2</b>A. When sending a polling command is started, the procedure proceeds from step SP<b>1</b> to step SP<b>2</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> instructs blue light-emitting diodes disposed in the placement section <b>12</b>D to blink.

0053As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, blue light-emitting diodes LB are disposed at portions corresponding to the four corners of the IC card <b>2</b>A, the four corners being determined when the IC card <b>2</b>A is placed at the center of the placement section <b>12</b>D, and a location where the IC card <b>2</b>A is to be placed can be indicated by lighting of the blue light-emitting diodes LB. Green light-emitting diodes LG are disposed outside the blue light-emitting diodes LB at the right and left by a predetermine distance apart, corresponding to the blue light-emitting diodes LB. The input and output section <b>12</b> can report to the user that a series of processing has been successfully finished by lighting of the green light-emitting diodes LG. Red light-emitting diodes LR are disposed outside above and below the green light-emitting diodes LG in their vicinities, corresponding to the green light-emitting diodes LG. The input and output section <b>12</b> can report to the user that a series of processing cannot be successfully finished by lighting of the red light-emitting diodes LR.

0054These light-emitting diodes LB, LR, and LG are mounted on the printed circuit board and accommodated in the case, and the semi-transparent decorative panel and the transparent plate are sequentially disposed thereon to form the placement section <b>12</b>D such that it also functions as a display section. Lighting of these light-emitting diodes LB, LR, and LG can be seen at a large area. Even if the user does not pay special attention to lighting of diodes, the user can easily recognize the placement position of an IC card even vaguely, and in addition, the user can check an error and the completion of the processing.

0055In the process of step SP<b>2</b>, the central processing unit <b>22</b> blinks the blue light-emitting diodes LB disposed at the portions corresponding to the four corners of the IC card <b>2</b>A as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. To a user who cannot understand the meaning of lighting of the blue light-emitting diodes LB even when an attention is called by lighting of the blue light-emitting diodes LB, a message “Place card over” is indicated at the display section <b>12</b>C to prompt an operation of the IC card <b>2</b>A. A payment is also reported to the user by a message “Payment: $xxx” indicated at the display section <b>12</b>C.

0056Then, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>3</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> determines from a result of the processing performed by the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> whether a response corresponding to the polling command has been obtained from the IC card <b>2</b>A. When a negative result is obtained here, the central processing unit <b>22</b> repeats step SP<b>3</b> to wait for a response corresponding to the polling command to come. In contrast, when an affirmative result is obtained in step SP<b>3</b>, the central processing unit <b>22</b> controls the operation of the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> such that mutual authentication processing is executed with the communication object which has sent back the response.

0057Then, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>4</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> determines from data output from the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> whether mutual authentication has been successfully performed with the communication object. When a negative result is obtained, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>5</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> instructs that blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes LB is stopped and the red light-emitting diodes LR are turned on for a predetermined time to indicate an error to the user, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. A message “Wrong card” is displayed at the display section <b>12</b>C to report the content of the error to the user.

0058Then, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>6</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> drives a speaker <b>26</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) which functions as sound emitting means to emit a predetermined alarm sound. Then, the procedure returns to step SP<b>2</b>. The central processing unit <b>22</b> again blinks the blue light-emitting diodes LB, and displays a predetermined message to prompt the user to place an IC card.

0059In contrast, when an affirmative response is obtained in step SP<b>4</b>, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>7</b>. The central processing unit <b>22</b> instructs the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> to read individual information, the amount of electronic money, and others recorded in the IC card <b>2</b>A, and determines from data sent from the signal processing circuit in response to the instruction whether the information has been read correctly. When the information cannot be read correctly due to an error of the IC card or other reasons, a negative result is obtained, and the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>8</b>.

0060In the same way as in step SP<b>5</b>, the central processing unit <b>22</b> instructs that blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes LB is stopped and the red light-emitting diodes LR are turned on for a predetermined time to indicate an error to the user. A message having a content corresponding to data output from the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> is displayed at the display section <b>12</b>C to report the content of the error to the user.

0061Then, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>9</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> drives the speaker <b>26</b> to emit the same alarm sound as in step SP<b>6</b>. Then, the procedure returns to step SP<b>2</b>. The central processing unit <b>22</b> again blinks the blue light-emitting diodes LB, and displays a predetermined message to prompt the user to place an IC card.

0062In contrast, when an affirmative result is obtained in step SP<b>7</b>, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>10</b>. The central processing unit <b>22</b> changes blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes LB to continuous lighting. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP<b>11</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> controls the operation of the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> to instruct the IC card <b>2</b>A to update electronic money. The central processing unit <b>22</b> calculates the amount of money to be written by subtracting the amount of payment from the amount of electronic money recorded in the IC card <b>2</b>A, and instructs that the amount of electronic money is updated to that to be written. In addition, the central processing unit <b>22</b> determines from data output from the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> whether a response corresponding to this updating instruction has been obtained from the IC card <b>2</b>A.

0063When a negative result is obtained, which means that the IC card <b>2</b>A, the processing object, is moved away from the loop antenna <b>24</b> before the processing is finished, or the like, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>12</b> and the central processing unit <b>22</b> instructs that blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes LB is stopped and the red light-emitting diodes LR are turned on for a predetermined time to indicate an error to the user. A predetermined error message is displayed at the display section <b>12</b>C to report the content of the error to the user.

0064Then, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>13</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> drives the speaker <b>26</b> to emit the same alarm sound as in step SP<b>6</b>. Then, the procedure returns to step SP<b>2</b>. The central processing unit <b>22</b> again blinks the blue light-emitting diodes LB, and displays a predetermined message to prompt the user to place an IC card.

0065In contrast, when an affirmative result is obtained in step SP<b>11</b>, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>14</b>. The central processing unit <b>22</b> determines from data output from the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> whether a status telling that the amount of electronic money has been correctly updated has been obtained from the IC card <b>2</b>A. When a negative result is obtained, which also means that the IC card <b>2</b>A, the processing object, is moved away from the loop antenna <b>24</b> before the processing is finished, or the like, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>15</b> and the central processing unit <b>22</b> instructs that blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes LB is stopped and the red light-emitting diodes LR are turned on for a predetermined time to indicate an error to the user. A predetermined error message is displayed at the display section <b>12</b>C to report the content of the error to the user.

0066Then, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>16</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> drives the speaker <b>26</b> to emit the same alarm sound as in step SP<b>6</b>. Then, the procedure returns to step SP<b>2</b>. The central processing unit <b>22</b> again blinks the blue light-emitting diodes LB, and displays a predetermined message to prompt the user to place an IC card.

0067In contrast, when an affirmative result is obtained in step SP<b>14</b>, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>17</b>. The central processing unit <b>22</b> turns on the green light-emitting diodes LG for a predetermined time in addition to the blue light-emitting diodes LB, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. With this operation, the central processing unit <b>22</b> reports a normal processing completion to the user. At the same time, the central processing unit <b>22</b> displays an electronic-money balance at the display section <b>12</b>C. When the balance is too little to cover payment in this process, the required additional amount of money is also displayed.

0068The procedure proceeds to step SP<b>18</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> drives the speaker <b>26</b> to report a normal processing completion to the user. Then, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>19</b>, and the processing is terminated. When a series of processing is finished in this way to correctly complete electronic-money payment processing, the central processing unit <b>22</b> reports it to the body apparatus <b>11</b>. When the electronic-money payment processing has been finished correctly but an additional amount of money is required, the central processing unit <b>22</b> also reports the additional amount of money to the body apparatus <b>11</b>. If an error occurs a predetermined number of times or more, the central processing unit <b>22</b> reports the condition to the body apparatus <b>11</b>, and terminates the processing.

0069With the above operations, placement of an IC card and its position are indicated to the user by blinking of light-emitting diodes, and a correct processing completion or an error is reported in the store terminal <b>4</b>.

0070With the above operations, in the input and output section <b>12</b>, the loop antenna <b>24</b> is disposed at a predetermined position and serves as electromagnetic-wave emitting means for emitting an electromagnetic wave, whereas the transmitting and receiving circuit <b>23</b>, the signal processing circuit <b>25</b>, and the central processing unit <b>22</b> form data communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an IC card through the electromagnetic-wave emitting means. The light-emitting diodes form a display having a display area to which a predetermined area which includes at least a part of a portion where the electromagnetic-wave emitting means is disposed is set together with the plate disposed at the front surface side. The central processing unit <b>22</b> serves as control means for controlling the operations of the data communication means and the display, and switches the presentation of the display according to processing performed by the data communication means.

0071<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a perspective view of the deposit machine <b>5</b>. The deposit machine <b>5</b> is formed in a narrow box shape, and has various operation sections at an upper half of the front surface. More specifically, the deposit machine <b>5</b> has an upper-half portion partially formed back, at the front. At this set-back portion, an insertion opening <b>5</b>A where a bill is inserted is formed. The deposit machine <b>5</b> increases the amount of electronic money by the amount of a bill inserted into the insertion opening <b>5</b>A.

0072In the deposit machine <b>5</b>, a display section <b>5</b>B is formed at an angle under the insertion opening <b>5</b>A to report various messages to the user through displays on the display section <b>5</b>B. Under the display section <b>5</b>B, an input opening <b>5</b>C for the IC card <b>2</b>B is formed, and a take-out opening <b>5</b>D for the IC card <b>2</b>B is further formed apart by a predetermined distance under the input opening <b>5</b>C in the deposit machine <b>5</b>. A pushbutton <b>5</b>F for instructing a processing completion is disposed at a side of the input opening <b>5</b>C, and an output opening <b>5</b>E for a receipt which records electronic-money processing is disposed under the take-out opening <b>5</b>D.

0073As shown in a partially extended manner and indicated by a symbol “A,” a trough <b>31</b> having a width slightly larger than the short side of an IC card is formed in the vertical direction at a front panel in the deposit machine <b>5</b>. A transparent-plate or acrylic cover <b>32</b> is disposed so as to partially cover up the trough <b>31</b> from a portion lower than the upper end of the trough by a predetermined distance in the deposit machine <b>5</b>. In the deposit machine <b>5</b>, the thickness of the cover <b>32</b> is specified such that the cover <b>32</b> is opposite the far side of the trough <b>31</b> with a predetermined gap being provided, and thereby, a path <b>33</b> for an IC card, having a rectangular-cross-sectional shape which allows an IC card to fall freely is formed. The upper-side opening of the path <b>33</b> is used as the input opening <b>5</b>C for an IC card, and a triangle is indicated at the panel side, which shows the input opening <b>5</b>C for an IC card.

0074A plurality of protrusions <b>34</b> protruding from the far side of the trough <b>31</b> is disposed at the path <b>33</b> for an IC card. When the IC card <b>2</b>B is input to the input opening <b>5</b>C, free fall of the IC card <b>2</b>B is stopped by the protrusions <b>34</b>, and the IC card <b>2</b>B is held in the path <b>33</b> so that the user cannot take out the IC card <b>2</b>B. Since the trough <b>31</b> is covered by the transparent cover <b>32</b> to form the path <b>33</b> in the deposit machine <b>5</b>, the user can visually confirm that the IC card <b>2</b>B is temporarily held in the path <b>33</b>. The protrusions <b>34</b> are structured so as to be drawn back by control of a central processing unit described later. Therefore, when processing is finished, the deposit machine <b>5</b> draws back the protrusions <b>34</b> to allow the IC card <b>2</b>B to fall.

0075In the deposit machine <b>5</b>, a receiving pan <b>36</b> for receiving the dropped IC card <b>2</b>B is disposed under the path <b>33</b>. The receiving pan <b>36</b> is formed by injection-molding a transparent resin in a box shape such that the IC card <b>2</b>B dropping through the path <b>33</b> can be completely accommodated and it can be seen from the outside. The receiving pan <b>36</b> is structured so as to swivel round a swivel shaft formed at its bottom, and therefore, the IC card <b>2</b>B can be taken out after the receiving pan <b>36</b> is swiveled, as shown by a one-dot chain line. In the present embodiment, the receiving pan <b>36</b> serves as the take-out opening <b>5</b>D.

0076The receiving pan <b>36</b> has a large cut extending from its upper end to the center on the front surface side. The user can easily swivel the receiving pan <b>36</b> toward the user by placing a finger at the cut, and take out the IC card <b>2</b>B.

0077In the deposit machine <b>5</b>, the IC card <b>2</b>B is moved in this way. A loop antenna is disposed at a portion near the rear surface of the IC card <b>2</b>B held by the protrusions <b>34</b> in the path <b>33</b>, and thereby, the loop antenna can be driven to access the IC card temporarily held in the path <b>33</b>. The IC card <b>2</b>B is replenished with electronic money in the deposit machine <b>5</b> when the IC card <b>2</b>B input from the input opening <b>5</b>C is temporarily held in the path <b>33</b>.

0078At a portion where the IC card <b>2</b>B is temporarily held in this way in the deposit machine <b>5</b>, red, blue, and green light-emitting diodes are disposed around the loop antenna in the same layout as described for the placement section <b>12</b>D, with the loop antenna placed at the center; a semi-transparent plate is further disposed; and a display section functioning by lighting of the light-emitting diodes in the same way as in the store terminal <b>4</b> is formed at the far side of the trough <b>31</b> in the portion where the IC card <b>2</b>B is temporarily held. The deposit machine <b>5</b> prompts the user to set an IC card, and further reports to the user a result of various processing by displays on the display section.

0079The deposit machine <b>5</b> is structured such that the path <b>33</b> serves as convey means for conveying an IC card serving as a data storage device by free fall in a way in which it can been seen, and the light-emitting diodes disposed at the trough <b>31</b> in the path <b>33</b> serve as a display having a display area in the path <b>33</b>. In addition, the loop antenna disposed together with the light-emitting diodes serves as data communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an IC card held in the vicinity of the display area of the display and for performing various types of signal processing described later.

0080In the deposit machine <b>5</b>, a display section <b>38</b> having green light-emitting diodes is disposed above the output opening <b>5</b>E for a receipt. Lighting of the display section <b>38</b> can draw attention of the user to the output opening <b>5</b>E for a receipt. In addition, the button <b>5</b>F is structured such that a green light is turned on. Lighting of the button <b>5</b>F can also draw attention of the user to the button <b>5</b>F. The path <b>33</b> is also provided with an optical sensor for detecting a card or the like.

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a block diagram showing the structure of the deposit machine <b>5</b>. In the deposit machine <b>5</b>, a deposit mechanism <b>41</b> detects the amount of money of bills inserted into the insertion opening <b>5</b>A and reports it to a central processing unit <b>42</b>. More specifically, the deposit mechanism <b>41</b> optically detects the insertion of bills into the insertion opening <b>5</b>A, and draws the bills into the inside. A predetermined convey mechanism conveys the bills to a holding section, and the holding section holds them. During the conveyance, the amount of money of the bills is detected.

0082A liquid-crystal display panel (LCD) <b>43</b> forms the display section <b>5</b>B, and displays various messages under the control of the central processing unit <b>42</b>.

0083Light-emitting diodes LB, LG, and LR are light-emitting diodes disposed in the path <b>33</b> described above, and emit light at predetermined timing under the control of the central processing unit <b>42</b>.

0084A transmitting and receiving circuit <b>44</b> drives a loop antenna <b>45</b> disposed in the path <b>33</b> by a predetermined high-frequency signal under the control of the central processing unit <b>42</b>, and thereby, turns on the power of the IC card <b>2</b>B held in the path <b>33</b>. In addition, the high-frequency signal is modulated by data output from a signal processing circuit <b>46</b>, and thereby, various commands and data are sent to the IC card <b>2</b>B. Modulation performed by the output data is stopped at predetermined timing, and a high-frequency signal is detected to receive various types of data and others sent from the IC card <b>2</b>B and they are output to the signal processing circuit <b>46</b>.

0085The signal processing circuit <b>46</b> applies encoding processing and encryption processing to commands and various types of data and sends them to the transmitting and receiving circuit <b>44</b> under the control of the central processing unit <b>42</b>. Conversely, the signal processing circuit <b>46</b> also releases the encryption of data obtained from the transmitting and receiving circuit <b>44</b>, applies decoding processing, and reports a result of processing to the central processing unit <b>42</b>.

0086A plunger <b>47</b> is a mechanism for moving the protrusions <b>34</b>, and draws the protrusions <b>34</b> back from the path <b>33</b> under the control of the central processing unit <b>42</b> to drop the IC card <b>2</b>B held in the path <b>33</b> to the receiving pan <b>36</b>.

0087A printing mechanism <b>48</b> prints a receipt and discharges it from the output opening <b>5</b>E under the control of the central processing unit <b>42</b>. An interface (I/F) <b>49</b> is an interface with the financial-institution server <b>3</b>, and reports processing performed by the deposit machine <b>5</b> to the financial-institution server <b>3</b> through a predetermined line.

0088The central processing unit <b>42</b> is a controller for controlling the operation of the deposit machine <b>5</b>; obtains a work area in a memory not shown, and executes a predetermined processing procedure to deposit electronic money in the IC card <b>2</b>B. In the processing, the central processing unit <b>42</b> executes the processing procedure shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> to switch a presentation at the path <b>33</b> according to the processing to prompt the user to perform various operations and report an error with the same presentations as those used by the input and output section <b>12</b>.

0089More specifically, when it is determined from a result of detection performed by a sensor not shown that the user stops in front of the deposit machine <b>5</b>, the central processing unit <b>42</b> starts the processing procedure, and the procedure proceeds from step SP<b>21</b> to step SP<b>22</b>. The central processing unit <b>42</b> instructs the blue light-emitting diodes LB to blink among the light-emitting diodes of various colors, disposed in the path <b>33</b> to prompt the user to insert an IC card into the insertion opening <b>5</b>C. The central processing unit <b>42</b> holds the protrusions <b>34</b> at a state in which they protrude into the path <b>33</b>. When an IC card is input to the insertion opening <b>5</b>C, the IC card is temporarily held thereby in the path <b>33</b>. In addition to blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes LB, the central processing unit <b>42</b> drives the liquid-crystal display panel <b>43</b> to indicate on the display section <b>5</b>B messages such as “Welcome” and “Set card”.

0090Then, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>43</b>, and the central processing unit <b>42</b> determines from a result of detection performed by the optical sensor disposed in the path whether a card or the like has been inserted. When a card or the like has been inserted, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>44</b>; and the central processing unit <b>42</b> starts the operation of the transmitting and receiving circuit <b>23</b>, controls the operation of the signal processing circuit <b>25</b> so as to send a polling command to the IC card <b>2</b>A, and detects a response corresponding to the polling command. When a correct response is obtained, mutual authentication processing is executed for the IC card, and it is determined whether correct mutual authentication has been finished. With the above operations, the central processing unit <b>42</b> determines whether an IC card has been correctly inserted from the insertion opening <b>5</b>C.

0091When a bank cash card, for example, or the like which is other than an IC card is inserted, the central processing unit <b>42</b> obtains a negative result in step SP<b>44</b>, and the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>45</b>. The central processing unit <b>42</b> stops turning on the blue light-emitting diodes LB, and turns on the red light-emitting diodes LB for a predetermined time. The central processing unit <b>42</b> also controls the operation of the plunger <b>47</b> so as to retract the protrusions <b>34</b> from the path <b>33</b> to drop a card-shaped object temporarily held in the path <b>33</b> to the receiving pan <b>36</b>. In addition, the liquid-crystal display panel <b>43</b> is driven to display a message “This card cannot be used” on the display section <b>5</b>B. The central processing unit <b>42</b> reports an error and the content of the error to the user by lighting of the red light-emitting diodes LR and a presentation on the display section <b>5</b>B.

0092In the next step SP<b>46</b>, the central processing unit <b>42</b> drives a speaker <b>50</b> to emit a predetermined alarm sound. The procedure proceeds to step SP<b>47</b>, and the processing procedure is finished. With these operations, the central processing unit <b>42</b> illuminates the path <b>33</b> by blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes LB disposed at a far side of the path <b>33</b> to wait for the IC card <b>2</b>B to be inserted, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>. If a cash card or the like is erroneously inserted, the card or the like is discharged to the receiving pan <b>36</b>, and the red light-emitting diodes LR are turned on instead of blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes LB, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref>.

0093In contrast, when the IC card <b>2</b>B is inserted and mutual authentication is performed correctly, the central processing unit <b>42</b> obtains an affirmative result in step SP<b>44</b>, and the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>48</b>. The central processing unit <b>42</b> reads the remaining amount of electronic money and others from the IC card <b>2</b>B under the control of the signal processing circuit <b>46</b>. In the next step SP<b>49</b>, the blinking blue light-emitting diodes LB are turned on. The central processing unit <b>42</b> further turns on the light of the pushbutton <b>5</b>F to report to the user that the pushbutton <b>5</b>F can be operated. In addition, the central processing unit <b>42</b> drives the liquid-crystal display panel <b>43</b> to display a message “Continuous deposit allowed” together with the remaining amount of electronic money for a predetermined time on the display section <b>5</b>B, and then to display a message “Press pushbutton to terminate” to show the reason why the light of the pushbutton <b>5</b>F has been turned on.

0094Then, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>50</b>, and the central processing unit <b>42</b> determines whether a deposit notice has been obtained from the deposit mechanism <b>41</b> to determine whether the user has input a bill. When a negative result is obtained, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>54</b>, and the central processing unit determines whether the user has pressed the pushbutton <b>5</b>F to instruct the discharge of the IC card. When a negative result is obtained, the procedure returns to step SP<b>50</b>.

0095When the IC card <b>2</b>B is inserted correctly, the central processing unit <b>42</b> temporarily holds the IC card <b>2</b>B in the path <b>33</b> and illuminates it from the rear side by the blue light-emitting diodes LB to wait for a user operation, as shown in FIG. <b>13</b>A. When the user inputs a bill into the deposit mechanism <b>41</b> while the IC card <b>2</b>B is held as described above, since a positive result is obtained in step SP<b>50</b>, the central processing unit <b>42</b> switches the presentation of the display section <b>5</b>B to a presentation of the amount of input money, and the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>51</b>. The central processing unit <b>42</b> instructs the IC card <b>2</b>B to update its electronic money such that the electronic money is increased by the amount of input money reported from the deposit mechanism <b>41</b>. The central processing unit <b>42</b> also displays a message “Being deposited” in the display section <b>5</b>B.

0096When the IC card <b>2</b>B reports the completion of updating the amount of money, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>52</b>, and the green light-emitting diodes LG are turned on for a predetermined time in addition to the blue light-emitting diodes LB to report the completion of deposit to the user. In the next step SP<b>53</b>, the speaker <b>50</b> is driven to emit a predetermined sound to report the completion of deposit to the user. The central processing unit <b>42</b> drives the liquid-crystal display panel <b>43</b> to display a message “Continuous deposit allowed” for a predetermined time together with the amount of electronic money recorded in the IC card, and then switches the presentation to a message “Press Pushbutton to terminate.” The central processing unit <b>42</b> increases the electronic money by the amount of input money in this way, and the procedure returns to step SP<b>50</b>.

0097When the IC card <b>2</b>B is inserted correctly, the central processing unit <b>42</b> holds the IC card <b>2</b>B in the path <b>33</b> and illuminates it from the rear side by the blue light-emitting diodes LB, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref>. When the user inputs a bill, the central processing unit <b>42</b> increases the electronic money by the amount of input money. When this increasing is finished, the IC card <b>2</b>B is illuminated by the blue light-emitting diodes LB and the green light-emitting diodes LG, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13B</figref>. Since the procedure returns to step SP<b>50</b>, the central processing unit <b>42</b> executes this series of processing procedure while the IC card <b>2</b>B is being held in the path, every time the user inputs a bill.

0098In contrast, when the user presses the pushbutton <b>5</b>F, since the central processing unit <b>42</b> obtains an affirmative result in step SP<b>54</b>, the procedure proceeds to step SP<b>55</b>. The central processing unit <b>42</b> drives the plunger <b>47</b> to retract the protrusions <b>34</b> from the path <b>33</b> to drop the IC card <b>2</b>B held in the path <b>33</b> to the receiving pan <b>36</b>. The central processing unit <b>42</b> also displays a message “Processing finished. Take out card” in the display section <b>5</b>B.

0099The central processing unit <b>42</b> is structured such that the operation of the receiving pan <b>36</b> can be detected by a predetermined sensor. When the user manipulates the receiving pan <b>36</b> to take out the IC card <b>2</b>B, a message “Operate button to print receipt” is displayed in the display section <b>5</b>B. When this message is displayed for a predetermined time, the central processing unit <b>42</b> then displays a message “Thank you”. The procedure proceeds to step SP<b>47</b>, and the processing procedure is finished. In contrast, when the pushbutton <b>5</b>F is operated during the predetermined time, the printing mechanism <b>48</b> is driven to print the amount of input electronic money, the remaining amount of electronic money after deposit, and others. Then, the processing proceeds to step SP<b>47</b>, and the processing procedure is finished.

(1-2) Operation in the First Embodiment

0100With the above structure, in the IC card system <b>1</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>), the IC card <b>2</b>A in which electronic money has been recorded is accessed at the store terminal <b>4</b> disposed at a store to execute electronic-money payment processing; electronic money in the IC card <b>2</b>B reduced by the electronic-money payment is increased at the deposit machine <b>5</b>; and thereby, the IC card <b>2</b>A is used as an electronic-money recording medium for various payment.

0101When electronic money is used in this way, a clerk operates the body apparatus <b>11</b> to calculate the amount of money to be paid, and the body apparatus <b>11</b> instructs the input and output section <b>12</b> to perform payment processing with this amount of money to be paid, in the payment processing at the store terminal <b>4</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). In the IC card system <b>1</b>, the loop antenna <b>24</b> disposed at the placement section <b>12</b>D starts sending a polling command serving as a call to the IC card <b>2</b>A in response to the instruction. The blue light-emitting diodes LB disposed at the placement section <b>12</b>D blink (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>). With this operation, portions corresponding to the four corners of the IC card <b>2</b>A conspicuously blink in blue in the placement section <b>12</b>D to prompt the user to place the IC card <b>2</b>A on the placement section <b>12</b>D. A message prompting an operation and the amount of money to be paid are displayed in the display section <b>12</b>C formed of the liquid-crystal display panel.

0102When a polling command is sent in this way; a response from the IC card is obtained; and correct mutual authentication processing is performed so that electronic money in the IC card <b>2</b>A is reduced by the amount of money to be paid. As the series of processing advances, blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes LB is changed to continuous lighting of the blue light-emitting diodes LB, and then to a presentation by the blue light-emitting diodes LB and the green light-emitting diodes LG (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>), and a predetermined sound is output. When the series of processing cannot be performed correctly, a presentation by the blue light-emitting diodes LB is changed to that by the red light-emitting diodes LR, and sound indicating an error is emitted.

0103Such IC-card processing is executed when an IC card is held in a proximity of the placement section <b>12</b>D. Since the light-emitting diodes and the loop antenna <b>24</b> are disposed and covered with semi-transparent and transparent plates to form the placement section <b>12</b>D, the placement section <b>12</b>D also functions as a display section with a feature of an IC card, that is, non-contact accessibility, being used. In other words, in this portion, various light-emitting diodes which make the placement section <b>12</b>D serve as a display area form a display section, and in the input and output section <b>12</b>, the loop antenna forms data communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an IC card held in proximity to the display area. By processing in the central processing unit <b>22</b>, a presentation at the display section is switched according to data communication processing.

0104In the input and output section <b>12</b>, since the loop antenna <b>24</b> is disposed almost at the center of the display area which is at the center of the various types of light-emitting diodes, when an IC card is brought toward the center of various indications of light-emitting diodes, data exchange is possible with the IC card. In a state in which the IC card is held in this way, a presentation can be switched to report the completion of processing or an error to even a user unfamiliar with the operation of an IC card.

0105In other words, in the input and output section <b>12</b>, when an IC card is brought toward an area enclosed by the blue light-emitting diodes which are blinking; a response is obtained from the IC card, mutual authentication is completed, the contents of the IC card are read correctly, and blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes LB is switched to continuous lighting thereof. Therefore, a presentation at the placement section <b>12</b>D, which also functions as the display section, can be provided for the user as an operation guide of the IC card <b>2</b>A.

0106When payment is finished with electronic money, the green light-emitting diodes are turned on for a predetermined period. The start of this indication of the green light-emitting diodes or the end of the indication can report to the user the completion of processing.

0107In contrast, when correct processing cannot be performed, the red light-emitting diodes are turned on for a predetermined period. The start of this indication or the end thereof can report to the user an error.

0108Together with these indications, a predetermined sound is output from the speaker <b>26</b> or a message is displayed on the display section <b>12</b>C to report the series of processing to the user. Especially when a display made from the light-emitting diodes is formed at a portion having a relatively large area in the input and output section <b>12</b>, the user naturally pays attention to the display made from the light-emitting diodes. Therefore, when the display section <b>12</b>C is formed in a proximity of the display made from the light-emitting diodes and a detailed message is shown there, a user's attention can be drawn not only to a sensuous operation guide made by lighting of light-emitting diodes but also to a detailed guide made by messages displayed on the display section <b>12</b>C. Therefore, a simple and positive user interface is obtained with a feature of non-contact-type IC cards being effectively used.

0109When the placement section <b>12</b>D is also used as a display section in this way and a presentation at the display section guides for IC-card operations, a dented section or the like for guiding an IC card does not need to be made in the placement section. Therefore, a plane, transparent acrylic plate covers the entire input and output section <b>12</b>, including the display section <b>12</b>C formed of the liquid-crystal panel. Consequently, the input and output section <b>12</b> has a good design, and dust and the like are effectively prevented from accumulating on the surface thereof.

0110Since the user can manipulate an IC card by a hand in the input and output section <b>12</b> without passing the IC card to a clerk, safety is improved largely compared with a conventional case.

0111On the other hand, in the deposit machine <b>5</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>), after an IC card is input to the input opening <b>5</b>C serving as an opening through which an IC card is vertically dropped, when a bill is inserted into the insertion opening <b>5</b>A, electronic money is increased in the IC card by the amount of money of the input bill, and the IC card is discharged by operating the button <b>5</b>F.

0112In this processing, when an IC card is input to the input opening <b>5</b>C in the deposit machine <b>5</b>, the IC card is dropped freely and temporarily held in the path <b>33</b>, and a process for increasing electronic money is executed in this state. The deposit machine <b>5</b> is structured such that the user can see the inside of the path <b>33</b> extending from the input opening <b>5</b>C for an IC card to the receiving pan <b>36</b> from which the IC card is taken out. When the user stops in front of the deposit machine <b>5</b>, the portion where an IC card is temporarily held is indicated (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>) by blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes in the path <b>33</b> structured in this way, and a predetermined message is indicated at the display section <b>5</b>B to prompt the user to input an IC card.

0113When an IC card is input; the IC card is temporarily held in the path <b>33</b>, mutual authentication is performed correctly, the contents of the IC card are read, and blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes is switched to continuous lighting thereof to illuminate the IC card temporarily held in the path <b>33</b> from the rear in blue. When electronic money is processed correctly, the green light-emitting diodes are turned on for a predetermined time in addition to continuous lighting of the blue light-emitting diodes to illuminate the IC card which was so far illuminated in blue, with greenish illumination.

0114When the processing is finished, if the button <b>5</b>F is operated, the protrusions <b>34</b> serving as a stopper for temporarily holding an IC card in the path <b>33</b> are retracted to drop the IC card freely to the receiving pan <b>36</b> for discharging.

0115In contrast, when a credit card or the like is erroneously input, or when an IC card of a different type is input, the input object is detected by a sensor, and then the protrusions <b>34</b> serving as a stopper are retracted to immediately drop the input object freely to the receiving pan <b>36</b> for discharging because it cannot be processed correctly. In this case, blinking of the blue light-emitting diodes is switched to lighting of the red light-emitting diodes for a predetermined time to positively report an error to the user in the deposit machine <b>5</b>.

0116Also in the deposit machine <b>5</b>, a display having a predetermined display area is formed at a portion where an IC card is temporarily held, at a rear side of the path <b>33</b>, and data communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an IC card temporarily held in the path <b>33</b> is formed in a proximity of the display area. Under the control of the central processing unit <b>42</b> serving as control means, a presentation of the presentation is switched according to processing performed by the data communication means. With such processing, a user interface effectively using a feature of a data storage device, non-contact accessibility, is provided.

0117A presentation is switched in this way between when electronic money is correctly increased and when an error occurs, and a predetermined sound is output from the speaker <b>50</b> according to switching of the presentation. A corresponding message is also indicated in the display section <b>5</b>B. With these methods, an error and other states are positively reported to the user and operations are guided.

(1-3) Advantages of the First Embodiment

0118According to the above-described structure, a presentation at a predetermined area which includes a portion where a loop antenna used for data communication with an IC card serving as a data storage device is disposed is switched according to data communication processing with the data storage device to provide a user interface with a feature of the data storage device, non-contact accessibility, effectively being used. In other words, the user can visually understand various determination rules, such as at what timing the user is asked to set an IC card and at what timing the user is asked to take out the IC card, at a portion where the IC card is held, according to switching of the presentation. Ease-of-use is improved compared with a conventional case.

0119More specifically, the loop antenna used for data communication with an IC card is disposed almost at the center of the display area for this presentation, and data exchange is performed. Therefore, the presentation guides the user for operations, and it reports the user various processing states.

0120More specifically, when a presentation of the display is switched between a period from when a polling is sent to an IC card to when a response is obtained, and a period when data is transmitted and received according to the response, a presentation prompting an IC-card operation is provided until the response is obtained, and a presentation indicating to the user that the IC card is held is provided after the response.

0121When a presentation of the display is switched between when processing has been correctly finished and when processing cannot be finished correctly, the completion of correct processing and an error are reported.

0122If predetermined alarm-sound emitting means is driven to emit a predetermined sound when such a display shows a presentation, various processing results are more positively reported to the user.

0123In the deposit machine <b>5</b>, when convey means for conveying an IC card with free fall in a manner in which the card can be seen is structured, and a presentation at a predetermined area which includes a portion where the loop antenna used for data communication with the IC card is disposed is switched according to data communication processing with the IC card in the convey means, a user interface effectively using a feature of a data storage device, non-contact accessibility, is provided also in the deposit machine.

0124When electronic money cannot be correctly processed in the convey means, or when a different object is input, an operation is switched to discharge the input object when a presentation at the display is switched, so that even a user unfamiliar with operations can positively operate the deposit machine.

0125An IC card is conveyed in a manner in which the IC card can be seen, and the IC card is received from a user's hand and positively processed, so that the user has an improved sense of safety.

0126When an IC card is conveyed by free fall, the entire structure is simplified.

(2) Other Embodiments

0127In the above-described embodiment, light-emitting diodes are disposed at portions corresponding to the four corners of an IC card to form a display. The present invention is not limited to this structure. Light-emitting diodes may be disposed at various positions to form a display. The present invention can be applied not only to a case in which light-emitting diodes form a display but also to a case in which a liquid-crystal panel or EL is used to form a display. When an image display such as a liquid-crystal panel is used to form a display, it is possible to display the shape of an IC card, a still image or a motion image prompting the user to operate an IC card, and a message as well as to show portions indicating a display position by lighting. In this case, it is also possible that a part or the whole of an IC card is made from a transparent material to make a presentation of the display visible through the transparent portion.

0128In the above-described embodiment, a semi-transparent plate and a transparent plate are laminated on light-emitting diodes to form a display as if the semi-transparent plate served as a light-emitting plane. The present invention is not limited to this structure. Even if such a plate is not disposed, the same advantage is obtained. In this case, a portion enclosed by a plurality of light-emitting diodes serves as a display area made from such light-emitting diodes.

0129In the above-described embodiment, a loop antenna is disposed below a semi-transparent member and a transparent member which are surface members. The present invention is not limited to this structure. The structure may be made, for example, such that a transparent electrode is used for form a loop antenna on a transparent member, and the transparent member is disposed at the front surface of each of various displays to dispose the loop antenna at the front-surface side. In this case, when a liquid-crystal display panel or an EL is used to form a display, a loop antenna is easily disposed.

0130In the above-described embodiment, display switching and sound emission guide user operations, and further report errors and other conditions. The present invention is not limited to this case. Only display switching or only sound emission may be used as necessary to make a report. Since these type of data storage devices have a feature of non-contact accessibility, processing can be executed without passing the media to a clerk. When only sound emission guides operations or reports an error and other conditions, even when the user performs a series of processing by oneself, the user can understand a progress situation of the processing.

0131In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the input and output sections of a deposit machine and a store terminal. The present invention is not limited to this application. It can be widely applied to various processing apparatuses for IC cards.

0132In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a processing apparatus for a data storage device, such as an IC card. The present invention is not limited to this application. It can be widely applied to processing apparatuses for data holding apparatuses, such as mobile terminals (portable telephones, portable information terminals, and the like) having an IC-card function. In the present specification, a data storage device and a data holding apparatus have the same meaning.

0133In the above-described embodiment, a data storage device is accessed in a non-contact manner by an electromagnetic wave emitted when a loop antenna is driven. The present invention is not limited to this case. It can be widely applied to a case in which a data storage device is accessed in a non-contact manner by light, which is an electromagnetic wave having a short wavelength.